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Paper 1 & 2
Sequences
Both
Spot patterns fast to save time.
Key Facts
- nth term helps you jump to any term quickly.
- Second differences signal a quadratic sequence.
Topics Covered
Linear Sequences
What you need to know
- •Add the same number each time.
- •nth term is an + b.
Exam Tips
- Find the common difference first.
Quadratic Sequences
What you need to know
- •Second difference is constant.
- •nth term is an^2 + bn + c.
Exam Tips
- Use a table for first and second differences.
Key Terms
Common difference
The amount added each time in a linear sequence.
nth term
Formula for any term in the sequence.
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Common Exam Questions
Find the nth term of 4, 7, 10, 13, ...
2 marksmediumPaper 1
Model Answer
3n + 1
What examiners want to see
- ✓Identify difference and adjust first term.
Find the next term in 1, 4, 9, 16, ...
1 markeasyPaper 2
Model Answer
25
What examiners want to see
- ✓Recognise square numbers.
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